CHATSWOOD, AUSTRALIA — The merger of Barley Australia and Grains Australia was announced on May 17 by the two organizations.

Under the merger, Grains Australia takes responsibility for all technical functions associated with barley varietal classification, trade and market access and information and education on behalf of the Australian barley industry. Barley Australia’s current board of directors will form a new barley industry council within Grains Australia to ensure ongoing oversight and continued delivery of key services to industry.

Trevor Perryman, director of Barley Australia, said the organization has played a critical role in establishing and overseeing Australia’s barley variety classification and accreditation system, identifying key priorities for industry, and serving as a key contact point for domestic and international customers.

“Since 2005, Barley Australia has served as the peak body for the Australian barley and malting industry,” he said. “Under the merger with Grains Australia, we look forward to not only continuing to deliver this important stewardship but delivering a more effective and expanded role in classification and trade and market access priorities through Grains Australia.”

Terry Enright, chair of Grains Australia, said the merger was a significant step for the newly established organization.

“The merger of Barley Australia follows the integration of Wheat Quality Australia into Grains Australia and brings together the combined classification processes and resources for wheat and barley in Australia under the one organization,” Enright said. “Driven by the support of the Grains Research and Development Corp. (GRDC), Australia’s grain industry now has one organization that is responsible for delivering classification, market access and key education functions and priorities.”